A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: South Sudan

Summary

Since achieving its independence from British and Egyptian rule in 1956, Sudan experienced recurring civil wars primarily between North and South. The 2005 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) officially ended the North-South conflict and set the date for a referendum on South Sudan’s self-determination in January 2011. Voters overwhelmingly chose independence and the Republic of South Sudan declared independence on July 9, 2011. The United States recognized the Republic of South Sudan that same day.

Flag of South Sudan

Recognition

Recognition, 2011.

President Barack Obama declared that the United States formally recognized the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state on July 9, 2011. This followed the historic January referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan, demonstrating full implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South.

Consular Relations

Establishment of Consular Relations, 2005.

After the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the U.S. government established a consulate in Juba on November 11, 2005, to reinforce its partnership with the South Sudanese people.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 2011.

Following its declaration of independence, the United States established full diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Sudan, upgrading the U.S. Consulate General in Juba to a U.S. Embassy on July 9, 2011. The United States appointed Ambassador Barrie Walkley, the U.S. Consul General in Juba, to serve as Chargé d’Affaires pending the appointment of a U.S. Ambassador to Juba. Susan D. Page was confirmed as the Ambassador Designate to the Republic of South Sudan on October 18, 2011.

Consulate Elevated to Embassy, 2011.

The U.S. Consulate at Juba was elevated to Embassy status on July 9, 2011 when U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice officially transformed the U.S. Consulate General into the United States Embassy in the new Republic of South Sudan.

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